The Faith-Based Foster Care Enhancement Act aims to alleviate the shortage of foster care facilities in Texas by permitting religious organizations to establish and operate faith-based child-care facilities. The bill introduces a new subchapter in the Human Resources Code that defines a "faith-based child-care facility" as one owned and operated by a religious organization, providing 24-hour care for children in the conservatorship of the department. It outlines requirements for these facilities, including the development of a comprehensive well-being plan for foster youth, staff training programs, and partnerships with licensed mental health providers. A committee appointed by the religious organization will oversee the facility, ensuring diverse representation from mental health professionals and community leaders.

Additionally, the bill establishes a grant program to support the creation of these faith-based facilities and exempts them from certain licensing requirements while still requiring compliance with minimum health and safety standards. It emphasizes the integration of faith-based facilities into the state's foster care system and mandates the establishment of faith-family programs to provide mentorship and support to foster youth. The legislation also amends the Penal Code to include new definitions for child-care facilities, specifically recognizing faith-based child-care facilities alongside existing types. It removes the previous provision for respite care exclusively for local mental health authorities under contract, indicating a broader focus on child-care facilities. The effective date for this legislation is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 42.041 (Human Resources Code 42)